Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
New state law lets counties hire rescue groups to handle stray horses, court members say
Summary
Court members said Senate Bill 73 amended state law to allow county judge executives, with legislative approval, to contract with 501(c)(3) organizations for stray equine duties and to provide immunity from certain liabilities; local officials said the change should make it easier to place or remove wild horses through rescue groups.
Court members discussed Senate Bill 73 at the May 5 meeting and described how the statutory change affects how counties handle stray equines.
A member of the fiscal court explained that the bill amends the code to allow a county judge executive, subject to approval by the county legislative body, to contract with one or more 501(c)(3) organizations that provide animal sheltering services to perform duties related to stray equines. The court member said the change includes immunity language that would protect the judge executive and county from criminal and civil liability under KRS 259.140 for discretionary acts related to taking up, posting, caring for, treating or controlling equines taken up under that statute.
Court members said the revision was intended to address practical obstacles that previously discouraged rescue groups from bringing stray equines into permanent homes and that the amendment should allow rescue groups to take animals without exposing the county or judge executive to liability if the rescue group fails to meet statutory posting or care requirements.
Officials said the amendment opens the path to partner with rescue organizations willing to transport and rehome animals; they noted the practical challenge remains of locating willing rescues and coordinating procedures. The court did not take a binding action on contracts at the meeting but discussed next steps for outreach to potential rescue organizations.
